Date published: March 5, 2026
March Fellow Spotlight: Michael Mankbadi, MD
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Michael Mankbadi, MD, a cardiology fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Mankbadi to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why Copenhagen is his favorite place to travel.
Hometown?
Originally from Giza, Egypt, but mostly grew up in Daytona Beach, FL.
What are your clinical and research interests?
I’m most interested in advanced cardiac imaging, multimodality imaging, and ischemic heart disease. I enjoy the intersection of physiology and imaging, especially nuclear cardiology and cardiac CT, and how these tools guide real-time clinical decision making.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
I chose UMass Chan because of the strong clinical training, approachable faculty, and supportive learning environment. The program offers high procedural volume, meaningful autonomy, and excellent mentorship. I was especially drawn to the collaborative culture and the opportunity to grow both clinically and academically.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why?
My favorite place to travel is Copenhagen because it perfectly blends charm, design, and a relaxed lifestyle. I love the colorful buildings along the waterfront and the cozy cafés everywhere you turn. The city feels both modern and historic at the same time, and there’s such a calm, welcoming atmosphere that it makes it easy to slow down and just enjoy being there.
Favorite guilty pleasure snack?
Warm chocolate chip cookies straight out of the oven, slightly underbaked in the center, crispy edges, melty chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big baker and very aware of my sweet tooth, so this one doesn’t surprise anyone.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas is my favorite holiday because it brings a sense of warmth and togetherness that feels different from any other time of year. There’s something special about the way everything slows down, and people focus more on family, friends, and meaningful traditions. I love the cozy atmosphere, the lights, decorations, music, and the feeling of anticipation leading up to the day itself.
What is your go-to board game?
My favorite board game is Catan because it somehow turns a relaxing evening into a dramatic negotiation summit over completely imaginary resources. It’s the perfect mix of strategy, luck, and discovering which of your friends would absolutely dominate in a mild economic crisis.